Immunocytochemical localization of osteocalcin in human and bovine teeth.

Antisera against bovine and rat osteocalcin were characterized and used for the immunocytochemical visualization of this protein in human and bovine teeth. Osteocalcin immunoreactivity was localized at the dentino-enamel junctions, whereas the major part of the dentin was unstained. These results suggest some involvement of ameloblasts in the deposition of osteocalcin. The low concentration of the protein suggests that it has no direct function in dentin formation.